Mungpoo – The Quiet Colonial Village of Cinchona Forests & Himalayan Poetry

Nestled gently amidst the lush green slopes of the Eastern Himalayas, Mungpoo (also spelled Mongpoo or Mungpu) is one of the most serene and culturally significant villages of the Darjeeling district. Located around 32 kilometres from Darjeeling and approximately 35–40 kilometres from Siliguri, this tranquil hamlet is surrounded by vast cinchona plantations, pine forests, emerald valleys, waterfalls, and terraced farmlands. Its peaceful ambiance, slow-paced life, and deep association with the legendary poet Rabindranath Tagore make it a captivating destination for nature lovers, cultural travellers, and seekers of rural Himalayan charm.

Mungpoo stands at an altitude of nearly 3,700 feet, offering a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year. The village is particularly famous for its medicinal cinchona plantations which once played a vital role in producing quinine for malaria treatment. The presence of the historic Cinchona Plantation Office, the iconic Tagore Bungalow, centuries-old forests, and riverside villages gives Mungpoo a distinctive identity unlike any other destination in the region.

Overview of Mungpoo – Land of Cinchona, Culture, and Tranquility

Unlike mainstream tourist spots, Mungpoo is known for its peaceful atmosphere, minimal commercialization, and deeply rooted cultural heritage. The village is located within the cinchona belt of the Darjeeling foothills, a region historically managed by the Government Cinchona Plantation established in the 1860s. Large portions of the landscape are still covered in neatly lined cinchona trees, factory buildings, botanical plantations, and colonial-era administrative structures.

The village is inhabited by Nepali, Lepcha, Bhutia, and other Himalayan communities. Their livelihood revolves around plantation-related work, agriculture, homestays, and small-scale tourism services. The simplicity of village life, warm hospitality, traditional cuisine, and scenic natural setting make Mungpoo ideal for travellers looking to unwind away from crowded hill stations.

Major Attractions and Things to See in Mungpoo

1. Rabindra Bhavan (Tagore Bungalow)

The most iconic attraction in Mungpoo is the historic Rabindra Bhavan, a beautiful bungalow where Rabindranath Tagore spent several summers between 1938 and 1940. The bungalow was originally the residence of Maitreyi Devi’s family, and Tagore frequently visited this charming retreat to rest, write, and enjoy the scenic tranquillity of the area.

Today, the bungalow has been preserved as a heritage museum featuring:

• Tagore’s writing table and furniture
• Original paintings and sketches
• Letters exchanged between Tagore and Maitreyi Devi
• Rare photographs of the poet’s visits
• Personal belongings associated with his stays

The serene atmosphere of the bungalow, framed by gardens and distant hills, makes it one of the most peaceful heritage sites in West Bengal.

2. Cinchona Plantations & Factory Complex

Mungpoo is globally recognized for its historic quinine production. The cinchona plantations stretch across the hills in mesmerizing green patches. Visitors can explore the plantation trails, observe the Cinchona Research Institute, and visit the old factory complex known as the Quinine Factory, which once produced life-saving quinine from the bark of cinchona trees.

Though production has decreased over the years, the heritage value of these plantations remains high, making them a rare site for travellers interested in medical botany and colonial-era science.

3. Moni Khola & the Riyang River

The gentle Riyang River flows near Lower Mungpoo, and one of the loveliest spots to enjoy its charm is Moni Khola. This riverside location is ideal for picnics, photography, birdwatching, and nature walks. The sound of flowing water combined with the peaceful greenery creates the perfect setting for relaxation.

4. Orchid Research Centre (Latpanchar Road)

Located a short drive from Mungpoo, the Orchid Research Centre on the Latpanchar route showcases several rare Himalayan orchid species. The centre conducts research on floriculture, hybridization, and conservation, making it an interesting stop for botany enthusiasts and nature photographers.

5. Kali Temple at 6th Mile

Just a few kilometres from the main village lies a revered Kali Temple. Surrounded by dense vegetation, the temple attracts local devotees and offers a quiet spiritual atmosphere. It is also a pleasant stop while travelling from Mungpoo toward Latpanchar or Sittong.

6. Buky Busti – Countryside Village Life

A short walk from Mungpoo Bazaar leads to Buky Busti, a scenic settlement surrounded by terraced farmlands, bamboo groves, and orange trees. This area reflects authentic rural Himalayan life — with cosy mud houses, livestock sheds, and local vegetable gardens lining the pathways.

7. Gharey Dara Viewpoint

Situated on the outskirts of Mungpoo, Gharey Dara is a peaceful viewpoint offering expansive views of the valleys. During early mornings and late afternoons, the hills appear to float amidst waves of mist.

Nearby Places to Explore from Mungpoo

• Sittong (Orange Village) – 8–10 km
• Latpanchar – 12–15 km
• Kurseong – 30–35 km
• Kalimpong – 25–28 km
• Sevoke Coronation Bridge – 20–22 km
• Bhalukhop – 18–20 km
• Takdah – 22–24 km
• Namthing Pokhri – 14–16 km

Major Distances from Mungpoo

Location	Distance	Approx. Travel Time
NJP Railway Station	35–40 km	1.5–2 hours
Bagdogra Airport	40–45 km	2 hours
Darjeeling	32 km	1.5 hours
Kalimpong	25–28 km	1 hour
Sevoke	20–22 km	45 minutes
Sittong	8–10 km	20–25 minutes

How to Reach Mungpoo

By Air

The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, located 40–45 kilometres away. From the airport, travellers can hire private prepaid taxis. The journey passes through lush forests, Sevoke Road, and winding mountain paths leading to the cinchona plantations of Mungpoo.

By Rail

The nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP). Shared jeeps are available up to Kurseong and Mungpoo junctions, and from there, travellers can take reserved cars to reach the central village.

By Road

Mungpoo is well connected through multiple scenic routes:

• Siliguri – Sevoke – Kalijhora – Mungpoo
• Kurseong – Dilaram – Mungpoo
• Kalimpong – Bhalukhop – Mungpoo
• Sittong – Riyang Valley – Mungpoo

The roads are generally smooth, with breathtaking views of forests and mountain landscapes along the way.

Accommodation Options in Mungpoo

Mungpoo offers a variety of cosy homestays, heritage houses, and cottage-style stays surrounded by scenic landscapes and plantation areas. Most accommodations blend naturally with the environment, creating a peaceful and warm atmosphere.

Common amenities include:

• Neat, clean rooms with attached bathrooms
• Wooden interiors suited for the cool climate
• Home-style organic meals
• Valley and forest views
• Guided walks to plantations and village points
• Bonfire areas (seasonal)

Types of Stays in Mungpoo

• Traditional Homestays offering authentic village hospitality
• Cottage-style stays with garden views
• Heritage stay options near Tagore House
• Eco-home properties inside plantation areas

Many stays are run by local residents who serve delicious homemade dishes and offer experiences such as plantation tours, cultural storytelling, and nature walks.

Food and Local Cuisine

The cuisine of Mungpoo reflects the flavours of the Himalayan foothills. Dishes are simple, fresh, and prepared with local ingredients grown in surrounding farms. Expect:

• Rice, dal, and seasonal vegetables
• Nepali thali with lentils, curries, and pickles
• Country-style chicken curry
• Momos and thukpa
• Bamboo shoot dishes
• Chhurpi (traditional Himalayan cheese)
• Fresh oranges and pineapples (seasonal)

Breakfast includes puri–sabji, breads, parathas, eggs, or millet-based dishes depending on the homestay.

Best Time to Visit Mungpoo

Mungpoo enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year, but each season offers a different experience.

Winter (November–February)

Clear skies, cool temperatures, and blooming oranges make winter one of the best seasons. Tagore House appears especially charming under winter sunlight.

Spring (March–April)

Flowers bloom across the valley, and the weather remains gentle and calm — perfect for sightseeing and photography.

Monsoon (June–August)

Mungpoo turns lush and vibrant. Mist wraps the hills, rivers swell, and monsoon clouds create dramatic landscapes. Travellers should be cautious of slippery roads.

Autumn (September–October)

Clear skies and mild temperatures make autumn wonderful for outdoor activities.

Activities to Enjoy in Mungpoo

• Visit Tagore Bungalow and its museum
• Walk through cinchona plantations
• Riverside picnic at Moni Khola
• Explore floral and orchid gardens
• Attend local cultural interactions
• Photography of plantation landscapes
• Visit nearby Sittong and Latpanchar
• Sunrise views from Gharey Dara
• Village trekking and heritage walks

Travel Tips for Mungpoo

• Carry light woollens throughout the year
• Wear comfortable walking shoes for plantation trails
• Respect cultural norms and natural surroundings
• Network connectivity may vary in some pockets
• Book stays early during festival seasons
• Try traditional food and fresh local produce

Conclusion

Mungpoo is a poetic blend of nature, heritage, and rural Himalayan lifestyle. From its cinchona history to the peaceful charm of Tagore Bungalow, from serene forests to flowing rivers, the village offers a unique travel experience marked by beauty, culture, and nostalgia.

Whether you seek tranquillity, cultural understanding, scenic landscapes, or slow-travel moments, Mungpoo stands as one of the most enchanting offbeat destinations in the Darjeeling foothills — a place where nature whispers, history lives, and peace surrounds every breath.